The Association of Ondo Media Practitioners (AOMP) has sought a collaborative partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development in a bid to enhance information dissemination and promote youth development.
AOMP Chairman, Sola Akingboye, led a delegation of journalists from the state on Monday, to meet with the Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, to discuss potential areas of cooperation.
During the meeting, Akingboye outlined the association’s objectives, emphasizing the need for collaboration with government institutions, the private sector, and traditional institutions, particularly to contribute to Ondo State’s development.
“AOMP is a dynamic association of journalists from all the spectrum of media organizations such as broadcast, print and online media platforms; uniting professional journalists who are indigene of Ondo State, with headquarters in Abuja.
“Our mission is to uphold the highest standards of journalism and contribute to Ondo State’s development through collaborative efforts.
“As ambassadors of our great state, our cardinal mandate is to contribute to the development of our state using our platforms, and we prioritize collaboration with government institutions, private sector and traditional institutions.
“Our priority is the development of our state and its citizens, and as indigenea of the state, we consider your collaboration vital to achieving these objectives.” Akingboye opined.
The journalists’ requests for collaboration aimed to:Enhance timely and accurate information dissemination; Promote youth development and empowerment initiatives; and Combat misinformation and promote responsible reporting.
In response, Minister Olawande acknowledged the challenges limiting his operation but assured the journalists of his commitment to work with the association.
He revealed his agelong affiliations with the media, particularly in Ondo State, saying he has always been one of the industry.
He said: “I want to welcome you all to this meeting and feel honoured to receive you in my office. I’m also a journalist, and I used to be one of you, particularly in Ondo State.
“The only part I understand most is the NUJ Ondo State, and being Minister, I still don’t hesitate to go to that house; I was still in that house last month. Anytime I’m in Akure, I go to that house. What I used to do there before now, I continue in doing it till now.
“So what I’m saying is that I’m a media person, there is no doubt about that; a lot of people don’t know that I skipped off at a time and have my PGD in journalism.
“I have made up my mind a long time ago that I will never allow position to enter my head. Hence, I am welcoming you once again to this gathering as a family”, he said.
The former journalist and grassroots youth advocate assured the visitors of his commitment to fulfil their requests. He also encouraged the journalists not to be deterred by limitations and challenges
“My orientation does not look for money first; my training does the work first. I’m bold to say that, if it is about the money, there are lots of things that will not work here, given that I will be patiently waiting for when money will come down from heaven.
“I will be in office for one year in two days. For example, for a whole Ministry, the capital budget is N2bn, and you all know how it works in the ministry with bogus expenses to take care of among other bureaucracy at your backend, killing you.
“This is October, we have not even gotten the N2 bn and the year is ending in two months.” He revealed.
The Minister also granted one of the cardinal requests of the visiting association with a promise to support AOMP’s end-of-year program in November 2024.
Olawande seized the opportunity to advise Nigerian youths on contentment, perseverance, and the importance of focusing and avoiding complacency as factors that will propel them to greater heights in life.
“What I’m saying is this: if you base your life on what you will get, not what you can offer, you’ll not move forward. This is what I plead to a large number of youth to have as the rule.
“Don’t look at other people before you live your life. In as much as you are not handicapped and a complete person, you should know that these fingers cannot be equal.
“If you used a Limousin vehicle, and I used my Camry car, that’s what God says I’ll use. If you live in a duplex and I live in a 3 3-bedroom bungalow, that’s where God put me.
“The way God wants your own to be is different from the way God wants my own to be. I am a highly contented person, the only problem I can cause for myself in life is when I am trying to be like you, and I don’t want to be like you. I have never dreamt of becoming like anyone in life. I just want to be who I am. So at the end of the day, I won’t be looking for something that is not lost”.
He also seized the opportunity to rally support for incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming November 16 governorship election.
He maintained that he is a politician and would be ready to be in Ondo state in support of his party as the election approaches.
Meanwhile, this quest for partnership comes at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for the Ondo State governorship elections.
